When it comes to BMW’s latest performance vehicles, the X3 M, X4 M, X5 M and X6 M, these competition crossovers are sure to deliver! Fun to drive, incredibly exciting and packed with power, Sport Activity Vehicle, or SAV, has never held more meaning! With incredible off-road capabilities and refined power, the M badge is legendary to say the least. These newest M-badged models are quick, intuitive and all you have come to expect from BMW.
See what these offerings are all about….
Performance versions of the existing X3 and X4, the X3 M and X4 M are known for exceptional power and handling, among many other attributes. These compact sport utility vehicles are available in the traditional SUV shape (the X3 M) and a four-door SUV coupe layout (the X4 M).
On the outside….When it comes to exterior styling, both the X3 M and X4 M have extra sculpting compared to the traditional X3 and X4, with M-specific fascias designed to optimize airflow and cooling at high speeds. These M versions have black double bars on their vehicle grilles, and this is presented in high gloss. Also added to the rear edge of the front fenders are M gills, a signature feature that points to these models’ charisma. The M models feature body-colored trim at the wheel arches, and are presented in a selection of colors not available on the traditional crossovers.
At the rear of the X3 M and X4 M, there are M-specific rear bumper covers and a pair of dual exhaust tips for a total of four exhaust outlets. These models come standard with 20-inch double-spoke wheels, with 21-inch wheels also available in the competition versions.
Powertrain info….In the area of powertrains, the all-new X3 M and X4 M utilize six-cylinder twin-turbo engines that produce 473 horsepower and 422 pound-feet of torque. In competition models, the straight-six twin single-scroll turbos have the ability to crank out 503 horsepower and the same level of torque in a longer peak torque band. Drivers have the ability to go from 0-60 mph in a quick and nimble 4.1 seconds in either the X3 M or X4 M. Shave a tenth of a second off that time with the competition mode. This is mighty fast!
The X3 M and X4 M both come standard with an all-wheel-drive system from the M5. The electronically-controlled clutch-based system is tuned to deliver a largely rear-drive experience.
The quad exhaust on the new X3M and X4 M utilize electronically controlled flaps to create a rich exhaust note from the high-revving inline-six turbos. The robustness of the exhaust note is dependent on the engine management mode selected by the driver. These models also feature eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmissions with available manual control and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Interior design….the X3 M and X4 M boast high-quality materials as well as 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters that feature large, round gauges and customizable information quadrants. Add to that a heads-up display with M-specific information and this cabin is rooted in comfort and luxury. Drivers have the ability to change dynamic stability control, steering, engine performance, suspension damper and exhaust sound settings thanks to the iDrive infotainment controller on the vehicles’ center consoles.
Supple leather upholstery in several grades are available, with the competition models gaining even more exclusive options. Those include Merino leather with Alcantara inserts.
These models feature plenty of room in the cabin with sports seats up front including deep side bolsters and exclusive stitching patterns. The rear seats mimic that pattern as well. The new X3 M has 28.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats in use and 62.7 cubic feet with them folded forward. The X4 M has one of the smaller cargo capacities in the class due in part to its sloping roofline. It features 18.5 feet of space available when the rear seats are up. When folded forward, that increases to 50.5 cubic feet.
Power liftgaltes come standard on both models.
Technology bound….the X3 M and X 4 M come standard with BMW’s iDrive 6.0 infotainment system and a 10.25-inch high-resolution display. This system is controlled by the use of a center console-mounted iDrive rotary controller which is truly functional. The Infotainment system includes navigation and supports Apple CarPlay.
Safety first…..Both the X3 and X4 M are chock full of advanced safety and driver assistance features. Standard equipment includes low-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and rear collision preparation. A Plus package is also available, and features lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
The new 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M feature a comprehensive suite of integrated connectivity and control and are considered the most powerful M product in the lineup and the most powerful production BMW in history. Presented in their extreme Competition versions, these all-new SUVs are bursting with potential. They both take power to the extreme!
Power packed….The engine of these models is an impressive twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8. Peak power occurs at 6000 rpm and there’s 553 lb-ft of torque present from 1800 to 5860 rpm. BMW also takes drivers from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds for the 600-hp version and 3.7 seconds for the Competition version. Top speed is governed at a whopping 155 mph. The M Driver’s package has a top speed of 177 mph.
Both the X5 M and X6 M come prepared for the track with coolers for the engine oil transmission and turbo chargers. The all-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled clutch pack that can send power to the front and rear axle as necessary.
These vehicles are extremely capable on public roads and racetracks, with their extra power benefitting acceleration.
Brake by wire….Both the X5 M and X 6 M feature brake-by-wire, which means that the driver has the ability to adjust pedal feel via the different drive modes. Brake rotors are huge, measuring 15.6 inches in front and 15 inches at the rear. Six-piston calipers clamp the front rotors while single-piston calipers do the work in the back. Standard are run-flat performance tires with a staggered-wheel setup an option. Those feature 21-inch in front and 22 inches at rear.
Bold design…Power packed and a power appearance are coupled in the X5 M and X 6 M, with an aggressive style made clear in aero touches and massive quad tailpipes. These vehicles are presented with intensive front air intakes, an M double-bar kidney grille and signature M mirrors that give off a magnetic allure. Top this all with the Competition model’s gloss black finish and boldness has never been this defined.
At the rear, the models feature an M roof spoiler, powerful exhaust notes and wide wheels. This serves to improve the performance feel and intensify the vehicle’s presence.
On the inside….Aggressive front sport seats offer a plethora of adjustments, including upper-back angle and bolster width. Leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim come standard with the Competition model further adding leather kneepads, which is helpful during spirited driving. A unique color scheme of the M division is also found on the steering wheel and shifter stitching. There are also a few other red accents, including on the steering wheel’s programmable M buttons.
The interior is rounded out with a modern dashboard that houses a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch Digital gauge cluster, both of which come standard. A massive panoramic roof is impressive — and standard — and is over 80 percent bigger than the previous generation’s.
The three-across rear bench can be folded with a 40/20/40 split, with BMW slightly increasing cargo space in these models.
See what the magic is about in this Sport Activity Vehicles, packed with power, loaded with luxury and definitely worthy of praise. They are modern, capable and present a driving performance like no other. Take a test drive today and experience the ‘M’agical ones!
